CORTLAND COUNCIL Extension of waterline discussed

The fire chief says extending the waterlines would increase water volume.
By JASON FUTEY
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
CORTLAND -- City council heard representatives of McDonald's Corp. discuss the possibility of extending the city's waterline to the proposed site of a new restaurant.
The restaurant would be in Bazetta Township near state Routes 5 and 46.
The cost of extending the waterline to the property and completing a loop with waterlines servicing the Greenbrier Drive and Wakefield Drive neighborhoods has been estimated at $65,000.
So far, McDonald's has agreed to pay $25,000, the property seller $10,000 and the city $14,000 toward that project.
McDonald's representatives said Monday their company does not want to wait out a long annexation process and wants work to begin on the waterline extension as soon as possible.
It is willing to sign a document indicating its intention to have the restaurant annexed into the city if and when the adjacent property owners also agree to be annexed, they stated.
Councilman Michael Hillman said council is reluctant to set a precedent of extending waterlines outside city limits, but an exception might be made if doing so would produce an "extraordinary benefit."
Benefits
Fire Chief Bill Novakovitch said completing the waterline loop would increase the volume of water available to the department from hydrants along the line and provide the amount of water necessary to safeguard a business there.
Council members acknowledged the benefits of completing the waterline loop but were unwilling to contribute any more than $14,000t without taking more time to look into the additional cost of construction easements that would have to be obtained and discussing the matter in an executive session.
Also Monday, council heard from representatives of Environmental Design Group regarding proposals for upgrading the storm sewer system along Fowler Street. Several options were presented.
A resolution introduced by Hillman requiring service director Paul Makosky to submit a plan for routine maintenance of the sewer lines and storm drains and periodic cleaning of Walnut Creek and similar waterways was passed unanimously.
Makosky is to draft the plan in time for council's first meeting in November.